Jersey is set to welcome a full-scale replica of the largest of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his discovery of America.
Nao Santa María will be open to the public this Saturday and Sunday at the Albert Pier between 10:00 and 20:00.
The original vessel was the leading ship in Columbus’s fleet, which set sail from the Spanish port of Palos de la Frontera (Huelva) on August 3rd 1492.
After stopping off at the island of La Gomera (Canary Islands), it reached America on October 12 1492.
Just a few months after cementing its legacy with the historic voyage, the ship ran aground and sank off the north coast of Haiti.
The 200-tonne, 28-metre-long replica that will soon arrive in Jersey was built by the Nao Victoria Foundation in Punta Umbría, with the support of the Provincial Council of Huelva and the Cajasol Foundation.
While staying faithful to its history, the vessel meets 21st century sailing requirements and includes a number of modern elements, including engines and machine rooms, GPS and radio systems among other important features.
It was launched in 2018 and has visited ports around the world.
Jersey will be one of the first British ports to welcome Nao Santa María since it spent several years carrying out a series of tours in the US.
Tickets can be purchased onboard or online.